BitterSweet

BitterSweet

Trail run.

Sights, smells, sounds surround me.

Stresses of the day disappear.

Rhythmic breathing. Footsteps.

Solitary. Serenity.

Adrenaline rushing...runner’s high?

Crunching leaves. Wind whistles.

Sweat dripping as the sun beats down.

Twisted ankle. Snot rocket.

Saliva hanging from mouth like a slobbering dog.

Heart beating. Lungs gasping for air.

Chest burning. Legs aching.

Bittersweet.

 

I went for a run today, it's probably been over a month since I've been running. As I was running I made up this poem in my head and decided it was worth sharing. I hope you enjoy the random thoughts that I had while realizing how bittersweet it feels to run.

Latest Reading: Into the Mud

I recently finished reading a book recommended to me over the summer. Into the Mud by Christine Jeske is an excellent book that helped grow my heart for the world.

Aids patients. Malnourished babies. Child soldiers.

     If we look only to media accounts, Africa can appear mired in a decades-long failed attempt to imitate the West. But holistic missionary Christine Jeske sees another story unfolding, a spiritual story of transformation.
      Through accounts of ordinary individuals, Jeske reveals people and communities in South Africa that are being changed into something new, something holy . . . refashioned by God to exist afresh in the muck of daily life. Along the way, she uncovers glimpses of God's kingdom breaking out among those to whom Jesus said it belonged--not the deserving or the religious but the poor. (taken from back cover)

Christine Jeske, author of Into the Mud, portrays the stories of real people going through real struggles with real hope in South Africa. Each chapter is a story about a different person with a different experience but all finding hope and strength in God. Through reading this book I was inspired to trust in God through struggles and constantly see hope in Christ. My heart was breaking for the people I was reading about and I have a desire to learn more about how I can reach the world; not only to share the gospel with the world but so Christian brothers and sisters in other countries/other cultures can share their experiences with me and I can share mine with them.

 "God made the first human by breathing into dirt. Jesus healed a blind guy by picking up mud, spitting in it, and wiping it on the man's eyes. Jesus interrupted a death penalty case by drawing in the sand as people dropped their stones, and He told a bunch of religious folks if they want to enter the kingdom of God they need to play in the dirt with the kids. The scriptures are full of stories of a God who is not afraid of dirt, who is just as likely to show up in the sewers of the slums as to the polished halls of the temples. Christine Jeske has felt the mud between her toes and has seen God at work in the dirt. This is a book of dirty theology. It's about a God who is not scared of getting dirty and who invites us to join Him in the mud. May we have the courage to roll up our pant legs and follow." --Shane Claiborne, founding member of The Simple Way community and author of "The Irresistible Revolution"

http://www.intothemud.com/books/home/

How is it already August 9th??

The view at Logging Camp Ranch!

Howdy y'all!

       My last post was written three days before I left Ashland; this post is being written eight days before I return to Ashland. This summer adventure has been an amazing experience! When nineteen students and four staff (two with families) arrived at Logging Camp Ranch in Bowman, ND the start of Medora Summer Project 2012 began. At Logging Camp Ranch we spent a few days going through a variety of trainings and getting to know each other. Our project bonded in unique ways over this short period of time; I've never experienced such deep relationships when only know someone for a few days. It was an amazing experience and it was our first chance to explore the badlands. 

Worshiping in the badlands

       After an hour long drive on dirt roads we arrived in Medora! We first visited the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation main office. Cru has a unique partnership with the Foundation and each year jobs are secured with Cru before we arrive because the Foundation has come to see that the presence of Cru students makes a difference felt throughout the entire work staff. At the main office we learned more about our job placements and I found out that I would be working at the Family Fun Center. This is a new attraction in Medora and it offers a rock climbing wall, a bungee trampoline, and the world's largest inflatable slide (uses water). I work six days a week and my shifts are either 9am-6pm or 10am-6pm.

Kyle, Emily, and I in the TR National Park

From left to right: Renae, Adam, Mark, me, and Emily

       Through this job I was faced with new experiences and challenges. One of my favorite parts of this job was getting to try out all the fun activities. Having a fear of heights and working at the Family Fun Center helped me decide that by the end of the summer I would overcome some of these fears. Just last week I was at the highest point on the bungee trampoline and I did a back flip; I climbed to the top of the rock wall; and going down the slide is one of my favorite things to do in Medora! I've enjoyed getting to hang out with kids during my work day and encourage them when they are afraid. I work with one other girl who is on project, Renae plus five other people; Mark (our manager), Adam (our assistant manager), Kyle, Emily, and Madalynn. I've been able to build some wonderful relationships with my coworkers over the past two months. There have been countless nights where Emily, Renae, Kyle, and I could be found in the Pizza Parlor having dinner together and laughing about the day...eight hours together wasn't enough so we spent some time in the evenings together as well.

     Once we arrived and started working in Medora, I was so impressed with how many different states and countries were represented in the work staff. I've met students from the east coast, west coast, and places in between, plus many different countries such as Turkey, Bulgaria, South Africa, China, and more. It is awesome that our project has the opportunity to share the love of Christ with students who literally go home all over the world. It is a blessing that we are able to reach the world right here in Medora, ND.

      I have been challenged in many ways while on project and through those experiences I have felt personal growth. Not only was I trained in how to share my faith to others but also I had leadership training that took place over the course of the summer. Together we read through a book called The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and considered what it means to be a leader and how to grow as a leader. This was a highlight of my summer because I've been challenged to grow as a leader and this experience will be very important as I step on campus in the fall and any leadership opportunity I have in the course of my life.

       I'll end this post with those thoughts as I'm sure I'll have more to mention in future posts. It's getting late here and I'll be working at the Family Fun Center tomorrow. I have four days left of work then a few days of debriefing as the Medora Summer Project 2012 comes to an end.

Grace & Peace

P.S.- A song that is great to listen to while being in the badlands...

  

Summer Adventure

My initial intent in starting this blog is to inform people of my summer experiences in Medora, ND. I am leaving in three days! I have been blessed with the amazing opportunity to go on a cru summer project with about 20 other students to Medora, ND. We will each have a full time job in this small tourist town in the southwest part of North Dakota. Also, there will be discipleship time, we will be equipped in college ministry, and we will have opportunities to share the gospel. I am so excited for this experience but also a little scared. This will be my first summer project and I have heard so many great stories from students that have went on project in the past. I have already seen how God is drawing me closer to Him through this summer project. As I am raising support, talking with family and friends, and preparing for the summer I have learned so much about trusting God and growing in relationship with God and others. I continue to seek God as the days come closer to arriving in Medora. God provided me with a ride to the southern part of Wisconsin so I can ride with three other project students out to Medora. I am very excited to get to know them on the drive and to meet the rest when we arrive.
It's getting late and I have more to prepare, pack, and pray about tomorrow. I want to thank everyone that has supported me both financially and prayerfully and thank you to all my brothers and sisters in Christ that have continued to encourage me as I prepare for this summer adventure. There will be updated posts on this website as the summer continues :)

About Me

Name: Hannah
Profession: college student
Studying... mathematical science
Dream Vacation: missions trip to Africa, Alaska, rainforest in south/central America
Favorite Bible Verses: I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. Romans 1:16; The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31; and more!
Favorite Color: green
Favorite Sport: running
Favorite Quote: "Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the lion or it will not survive. Every morning a lion wakes up and it knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve. It doesn't matter if you are the lion or the gazelle, when the sun comes up, you better be running."
- Maurice Greene
Favorite Animals: sea turtle, gazelle, dragonfly
Favorite Music: christian (anything from hip hop, rap, hymns, or contemporary worship music), some country
Favorite Books: The Holy Bible, Crazy Love by Francis Chan, Radical by David Platt, I love reading
Favorite Season: autumn (when you can wear blue jeans, a hoodie, and no shoes and chill by a bonfire)
A few words to describe yourself.
     My number one passion in life is to glorify God. I am recently engaged to my best friend! I love doing anything outdoors, especially hiking and camping. I'm always trying to find ways to be active but I enjoy days of relaxation as well.
What does "Five Pairs of Shoes and Barefeet" mean?
     There are five styles of shoes that you can find me wearing, but my favorite is going barefoot.
What are the five styles of shoes?
     flip-flops, running sneakers, cowboy boots, hiking shoes, high heels
How do these types of shoes describe you?
     flip-flops...the closest thing to barefeet, I love being near water and walking along the shore of the lake
     running sneakers...running is my outlet from stress
     cowboy boots...grew up on a small farm and love taking care of the animals
     hiking shoes...hiking is one of my favorite outdoor activities
     high heels...for the days when I want to feel pretty
That's all folks!